HENDERSON CO., KY (WFIE) -
Many tri-staters are celebrating the Fourth of July at the racetrack.
On Wednesday, Ellis Park opens its live racing for the 90th year.
Many fans say not even the heat will keep them from enjoying opening day, and Ellis Park says they're already seeing a great start to the summer meet, even an increase in purse money.
"Nothing stops you if you want to come," said race fan Edna Delgman.
Race fans Delgman, who come to Ellis every year are finding ways to stay cool in the Fourth of July heat.
"Just finding a breeze and sitting here," Delgman said.
"I think on the Fourth of July it brings a lot of families out," said race fan Walter Weatherholt.
While some take a seat under a shady umbrella or enjoy one of Ellis Park's 1,800 air-conditioned seats, owner and president Ron Geary says nurses are on site to make sure everyone's safe. Due to court decisions postponing instant racing machines, Geary says that thanks to excess purse money from Kentucky Downs, which does have the machines, daily purse money at Ellis this year is up.
"Last year, we averaged for just the association purse money, about a $100,000 a day. This year, it's going to be a $130,000 a day per live racing," Geary said.
But Geary says the state court's decision isn't completely against their favor.
"It just sent it back to the lower court for some additional deposition and discovery," Geary said.
He tells 14 News that Ellis has hope their 177 new machines will soon bring even more fun to the track.
"Our resolve here at Ellis Park is that we want to protect and develop thoroughbred horse racing in Kentucky and we think now we're in a position to do that," Geary said.
Geary says Ellis Park hopes to have the instant racing machines up and running by mid-August.
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